Use many manual focus lenses with automatic focusing on early Minolta AF film cameras (see below)

Sigma 1.6x multi converter with automatic focusing

For many Minolta MD lenses (f/3.5 or faster ONLY)

For the Minolta 5000AF, 7000AF, 9000AF ONLY

Not for Maxxum, Dynax, Alpha or Sony cameras

Automatic diaphragm and full aperture metering

Works in all automatic or manual exposure modes

Tele converter increases the focal length by 1.6x

Closer focusing and extra magnification for macro

Solidly made (in Japan), usable and collectable

Excellent+++ (8.5/10), supplied complete & boxed

This is a Sigma AF 1.6x MD-MA Multi Converter, which lets you use your manual focus Minolta MD fit lenses on the original Minolta 5000, 7000 or 9000 AF 35mm film SLR cameras, and focuses them automatically! Important note: This converter will NOT work fully with later Dynax/Maxxum models from the 5000i or 7000i onwards, Konica Minolta or Sony cameras, though it can be used manually with several restrictions. It's in very good condition, fully working order and supplied complete and boxed with case, instructions and front/rear caps. Please read the full description for more important information.

The way it works is ingenious. The camera's AF system drives the elements inside the converter backwards and forwards, and this has the effect of altering the focusing distance. The system works to infinity with all lenses, and the minimum focusing distance depends on the focal length of the original lens – wide angles focus very close, long telephotos don't. You can also 'help' the system to focus closer by pre-focusing on a particular point with the lens's own focusing ring. For example, a 50mm lens set to infinity will AF down to 0.8m (31"), but set to 0.5m (19.5") it works down to 0.36m (14").

This type of external, optical AF was popular in the mid-1980s in converters such as the Nikon AF Teleconverter TC-16/TC-16S and TC-16A, SMC-Pentax F 1.7x AF Adapter and Yashica AF Converter 1.6X. It has been reintroduced recently with the TechArt PRO Leica M to Sony E-Mount auto focus adapter.

It also works as a normal 1.6x tele converter increasing the focal length by 60%, so a 50mm standard lens becomes an 80mm for portraits, a 135mm lens extends to 216mm, and a 70-210mm zoom becomes a powerful 112-336mm. This magnification reduces the effective aperture of the lens by just over one stop, so an f/2.8 lens becomes f/4.5, etc. Tele converters work best with standard and telephoto lenses. Only lenses of f/3.5 or faster will work, as effective apertures below this do not provide enough light for the AF system to function.

The converter retains fully automatic diaphragm and full aperture metering, in program, shutter priority, aperture priority auto or metered manual exposure modes. Usable lenses have a maximum aperture of f/1.8 (f/1.7), f/2 (f/1.9), f/2.5, f/2.8 or f/3.5. Faster lenses may be used, with exposure compensation (detailed in the instructions), but slower lenses won't couple properly with the exposure metering system. The lens should be set to its minimum aperture, and later Minolta or Rokkor MD lenses (and some independent optics) have a lock to prevent this setting being changed accidentally. The camera's viewfinder and LED display show the correct aperture (allowing for the 1.6x factor) in all modes.

This converter is a quality product from Sigma. It's well made (in Japan) with metal bayonet mounts and a high standard of fit and finish. The optical design uses five elements in five groups for optimum quality, and multicoated glass for reduced flare and light loss with increased contrast and colour fidelity. It adds under 25mm (one inch) to the length of the lens when attached, and weighs approximately 170g (6oz). This one also has a very low serial number and is one of the first 200 made.

This converter is now quite unusual, and makes a great addition to a Minolta MC/MD and AF outfit or collection.

Condition: Excellent+++ (8.5/10)
The converter is in fully working order, fits and locks smoothly, with all couplings operating properly. It's been tested on a Minolta 7000 AF with various Minolta MD fit lenses, and works perfectly with auto or manual focusing. The glass is very clean with no scratches, misting, fungus or other problems, but just some specks of dust and other tiny marks as usual, which won't affect the pictures at all. Cosmetically there is only the usual small evidence that it's been used, with some surface marks here and there, small scratches on the mounts where it's been attached, etc. The JCII "Passed" quality control sticker is still in place. The box and instructions are showing some signs of age but complete, the caps fit well and the case is in good condition.

No dents, dings or deep scratches, and overall it's in nice shape.
Complete and boxed with Sigma case, front/rear caps and instructions.
Pictures in this listing show the actual converter offered for sale.

Camera Compatibility
This converter is designed for the original Minolta 5000 AF, 7000 AF and 9000 AF 35mm film SLR cameras ONLY. With these cameras and suitable MD lenses (see below) it provides automatic diaphragm and full aperture metering in manual, aperture priority, shutter priority or program modes, with automatic or manual focusing as described above.

It is NOT fully compatible with the later Minolta Maxxum, Dynax or Alpha models (such as the 5000i and 7000i), Konica Minolta or Sony Alpha digital cameras with the A-Mount. While it physically fits, the electronics aren't recognised by the camera which acts as though no lens is fitted. It's possible to use the converter to mount SR, MC or MD lenses on these cameras, but ONLY at full aperture and with manual focusing. The elements in the converter must be set to infinity manually, by turning the screw at the rear until they are in their forwardmost position. Most film cameras work with stopped down metering in manual and aperture priority auto exposure modes, but models with program modes only are not suitable for manual lenses or accessories. The Sony Alpha A33, A35, A37, A55, A57, A58, A65, A68, A77, A77 II, A99, A99 II, A100, A560, A580 and A700 (plus the A850 and A900 with firmware 2.0 or higher) work with stopped down metering in aperture priority automatic or metered manual exposure modes. Other Alpha DSLR cameras (the A200, A230, A290, A300, A330, A350, A380, A390, A450, A500 and A550) work in metered manual mode only. Most of these cameras require setting up for manual lens operation, either by changing an option in the menu system (set "Release w/o Lens" to "On" for digital) or pressing a combination of buttons while turning on (film cameras).

Please note that it's NOT suitable for Minolta manual focus SLRs, Sony E-Mount cameras such as the NEX, A7 series, A9, A3000, A5000, A5100, A6000, A6300, A6500, or any other makes or models. The converter is NOT suitable for Minolta Vectis cameras, manual focus models or any other makes.

Lens Compatibility
The converter accepts many Minolta MD manual focus, auto diaphragm lenses, and independent types in this fitting. It's usable with maximum apertures of f/1.8 (f/1.7), f/2 (f/1.9), f/2.5, f/2.8 or f/3.5. Faster f/1.4 or f/1.2 lenses can be used with exposure compensation, but slower lenses won't give correct exposure (or AF). The older Minolta SR or MC lenses (and independent equivalents) will fit and work, but exposure accuracy may be reduced as these lenses don't necessarily have a fast acting, linear diaphragm mechanism. Some lenses (especially those with large and/or protruding rear elements) may not fit onto converters.

It's NOT suitable for Minolta A-Mount auto focus lenses, or any other types.